Rose Marie Hessler

Rose Marie Hessler, affectionately known as “Toots,” passed away on March 9, 2026, at the age of 88 at her home in Twin Oaks Assisted Living in Williamsport, Maryland. Born on June 21, 1937, in Williamsport, she was the daughter of the late Fred Leroy and Anna Virginia (Wiley) Lowman. A graduate of Williamsport High School, Rose brought a spirited competitiveness to everything she did, especially at the card table where she was rarely beaten.

She spent many years as manager of Turner’s Skating Rink on Virginia Avenue in Hagerstown before retiring in 1980. Afterward, she continued working by managing properties for Turner Enterprises. Rose was an avid collector who took special delight in hunting for Beanie Babies for her grandchildren, as well as gathering Longaberger baskets, Cabbage Patch dolls, Elvis memorabilia, Gone with the Wind collectibles, and countless other treasures. An enthusiastic Elvis fan, she attended at least fifteen tribute shows in the past five years. She also enjoyed bowling in a league, traveling extensively to places including Japan, Canada, Russia, Amsterdam, and much of Europe, and spending winters in Miami, Florida, and Hilton Head, South Carolina. In her younger years, she cherished weekends on a farm in Bedford, Pennsylvania, where she rode horses.

Rose is survived by her son Kevin R. Hessler and his wife Jeannie of Frederick, Maryland; her daughter Tammy Hessler Spitzer of Williamsport, Maryland; grandchildren Gregory Hessler, Meghan Hessler, C. Matthew Spitzer, Zachary Spitzer, Dylan Turner, and Anna Turner; great-grandchildren Evie Claire, Jude, and Penelope; her brother Fred Lowman; her sister Barbara Burger; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her life partner Frank Turner, her son Rodney “Scott” Turner, her son-in-law Chuck Spitzer, and her siblings Patsy Lowman, Ned Lowman, Sue Belle Speaker, Ruth Delauter, and Butch Lowman.

Throughout her life, Rose remained active and found great joy in the activities at Twin Oaks Assisted Living, where she participated in floral arranging, bingo, pottery, coloring, and musical entertainment. She will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, her love of family, and the warmth she brought to everyone around her.